Cutting a PCB
Cutting a PCB
(OP)
I have a machine that comes in 2 flavors (single, and dual machine). I want to have one PCB for both types of machine. Is it possible to create a PCB that I can cut when I am building a single machine. I would put the circuitry to control the second machine on side of the pcb that we can cut if we want to just build a single machine. I can not put the whole board into the single machine cuz there is not enough room?
Has anyone design something like this before? Is there special layout tricks that I can use for this? Is there an issue with cutting the PCB (eg like exposing traces, etc).





RE: Cutting a PCB
Easy way; define a band across the board. Keep circuits out of that band, except traces that go from half1 to half2.
In production, you can use a router to separate the boards if you want to be fancy, or use the faster method:
Drill a row of closely spaced holes down the middle of the band at the same time you are drilling all the other holes in the board. When you need a split board, just snap the halves apart along that weak line defined by the row of holes.
The holes don't have to be real close together in a cotton/phenolic board. They have to be pretty close in a glass/epoxy board.
Mike Halloran
Pembroke Pines, FL, USA
RE: Cutting a PCB
RE: Cutting a PCB
Gunnar Englund
www.gke.org
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100 % recycled posting: Electrons, ideas, finger-tips have been used over and over again...
RE: Cutting a PCB
Have the board designed as Mike sez then have the board scribed so you can snap it. Or route it and leave a few rat bites for the tie points.
Keith Cress
kcress - http://www.flaminsystems.com
RE: Cutting a PCB
( I've used Grit-Edge hacksaw blades to section potted electronic assemblies, including FRP circuit boards and glass lenses. )
Mike Halloran
Pembroke Pines, FL, USA
RE: Cutting a PCB
Dan - Owner

http://www.Hi-TecDesigns.com
RE: Cutting a PCB
RE: Cutting a PCB
If you use the notch method, be sure and support at the notch if using double-board without breaking apart...
Good on ya,
Goober Dave
RE: Cutting a PCB
RE: Cutting a PCB
John D
RE: Cutting a PCB
Keith Cress
kcress - http://www.flaminsystems.com